So Far So Good

So I'm taking a little bit of time this morning to write a bit. It's a cool morning today and the coffee in my cup makes all the more enjoyable. It got down to about 50 last night, so not too bad. The Alaskan mornings seem to always be cool and overcast, but again I like it.

Last night I was out and about after the sun set and I have to tell you it was weird seeing it go down at 10:30 pm. It's neat seeing a reddish pink and purple sky at 11 at night. Beautiful and seemingly tranquil.

I apologize if this post seems to not flow as I am really tired this morning and just want to get something down while it's fresh!

So far this has been the trip of a lifetime. I'm staying at this quaint little inn near the center of town. This place is like a beacon for hippies, foreigners, and tramps of all kinds. These are interesting people with stories to tell and I have enjoyed listening. Last night some dude checked in at 2am local time which according to him was an hour after he left home. He was from Australia, here to celebrate his 21st birthday. Saturday night I talked with this French-Canadian dude who was quite the comedian. A couple of nights ago I had the best conversation with this old painter from southern California. This place has all kinds. No one here is pretentious are judging. Really, it's like being around my kind of peoples. We all sit around and drink tea made from fresh local herbs and plants and talk of our travels or the days events.

Anchorage is a mellow city or what I have seen of it. It's not as cut throat as Columbus and most of the folks I have run into have been laid back by my standards. It's really easy to navigate here too. As my friend told me, the mountains are to the east and there are only two roadways in and out of the city. It's really not bad. There are a ton of trails and bike paths in the numerous parks. The scenery is grand and traffic is less annoying than back home. Seriously, if I could get my Ohio State football games, I'm pretty sure I could stay forever! I really need to come back during the winter as that would be the real test as to whether I would want to stay or not.

I got to say I think I found another trip destination. One of the innkeepers here are from Portland, Oregon. Based on the pictures she showed me and the stories told, I need to check it out. From what I've read it's relatively the same size as Columbus give or take. I feel like I'm becoming a Pacific Northwest junkie!!

So yesterday I had an itching to do something adventurous. I climbed Flattop Mountain which has a 3,510-foot elevation and is located in Chugach State Park just east of Anchorage. It is the most climbed mountain in the state. It is known for its panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding area, including Denali, Mount Foraker, Mount Spurr, and the Cook Inlet. I snap the picture to the left while I was up there. It was quite cool a the top and surprisingly quiet. On the east side of the mountain it was oddly calm with the sound of the distant river rushing a thousand feet below. Being up there afforded me the opportunity to really think about thinks. At one point I became somewhat overwhelmed. I mean honestly, I'm sitting in a place I have always wanted be. There was no naysayers to rain down hate upon my moment. I was here. I made it. I feel as if I can do anything I set my mind on. I can tell you that there is a strangely familiar feeling up here and while sitting on that mountain top I felt a closeness that I have trouble describing in words.

I will post some pictures once I return home so all can see. If there is time I will blog more. Until then I remain in Alaska, happy and free!


“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment”
~Nelson Mandela